Section 3. Harmful Algal Blooms

Background

Rapid growth and accumulation of phytoplankton or other algae can cause algal blooms. Bloom-forming algae that have harmful effects on people or wildlife are commonly termed harmful algal blooms (HABs). In Puget Sound, HABs may be caused by phytoplankton such as dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium, diatoms of the genus Psuedo-nitzchia, raphidophytes of the genus Heterosigma or by ulvoid seaweeds. Suspension-feeding bivalves, such as mussels, clams and oysters, can accumulate biotoxins to dangerous levels during HAB events, leading to illness such as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) when the shellfish are ingested by humans, marine mammals and marine birds (Nishitani and Chew 1984, Hallegraeff 1993).

The Washington Department of Health(WDOH) Office of Shellfish Safety and Water Protection regularly monitors biotoxin levels in both recreational and commercial shellfish areas in Puget Sound. The Washington State Public Health Laboratory supports the WDOH through the analysis of shellfish samples. When high levels are detected in sample tissues, shellfish harvest areas are closed in order to protect shellfish consumers from biotoxin-related illness. Closures can have significant effects on commercial, recreational, and subsistence harvest. Episodes of high biotoxin levels are currently unpredictable in time or space due to the interaction of multiple poorly understood environmental factors (Moore et al. 2009).

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Seasonal restrictions on commercial and recreational shellfish harvest due to PSP, sometimes known as "red tide", are common in Washington. The biotoxin that causes PSP temporarily interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses in warm-blooded animals. Symptoms of PSP in humans range from nausea, vomiting, numbness of the lips and tongue and muscle paralysis to death by cardio-respiratory arrest. There is no known antidote for the toxin, and cooking does not destroy the toxin.

Several microscopic organisms that naturally exist in marine water produce the PSP toxin. The species that causes PSP in Washington marine waters is the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella (Determan et al. 2001). Alexandrium is typically present in small numbers; however, when environmental conditions are favorable, rapid reproduction and accumulation can occur, and shellfish can accumulate the toxin to dangerous levels during such bloom events (Zingone and Enevoldsen 2000, Moore et al. 2009).

WDOH closes areas for shellfish harvest when PSP toxin levels equal or exceed the Food and Drug Administration standard of 80 micrograms (μg) of toxin per 100 grams of shellfish tissue. Areas are not reopened until testing has confirmed that the PSP toxin has declined to a safe level. Butter clams may experience extended closures because they typically retain the PSP toxin longer than other shellfish (up to one year).

Sentinel Mussel Monitoring Program

The Sentinel Mussel Monitoring Program is an early warning system for marine biotoxins established by WDOH. Mussels generally register PSP toxin levels more quickly than other shellfish. Consequently, mussels are used as “sentinels” to determine whether PSP toxins are increasing in a given area. Under this monitoring program, mussels are placed in cages and set in strategic growing areas throughout Puget Sound. Mussel samples are then collected either biweekly or monthly and tested for levels of PSP. Rising PSP levels in these mussels trigger more targeted and frequent sampling regimens in other shellfish species in the affected area.

With assistance from local health jurisdictions, local tribes, the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, and volunteers, WDOH maintained and monitored 69 collection sites in 2008 (WDOH 2009). In addition to the sentinel mussel locations, commercial mussels were routinely monitored at Westcott Bay in San Juan Island and at Penn Cove in Whidbey Island.

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning

Domoic acid is a naturally-occurring toxin produced by a species of microscopic marine diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. The human illness known as ASP or domoic acid poisoning is caused by eating fish, shellfish or crab containing the toxin. ASP can result in gastrointestinal and neurological disorders within 24-48 hours of toxic shellfish consumption by humans, and can be life-threatening. There is no antidote for domoic acid poisoning and cooking does not destroy the toxin.

The razor clam and Dungeness crab fisheries on the outer coast of Washington State have incurred losses due to occurrences of domoic acid over the past two decades. In the fall of 1991, domoic acid was first detected in razor clams off the coast of Washington and caused several mild cases of ASP (Horner and Postel 1993). This prompted WDOH to begin monitoring all major shellfish growing areas for domoic acid. Research shows that razor clams accumulate domoic acid in the edible tissue (foot, siphon, and mantle) and are slow to rid themselves of the toxin (Wekell et al. 1994) due to the presence of a high affinity glutamate binding protein (Trainer and Bill 2004). However, razor clams can continue to function in marine environments with high concentrations of domoic acid (Trainer and Bill 2004), resulting in extended closures of shellfish beds of the outer coast of Washington. In Dungeness crab, domoic acid primarily accumulates in the viscera. The level of domoic acid determined to be unsafe for human consumption is 20 parts per million (ppm) in molluscan shellfish and 30 ppm for Dungeness crab viscera. Dungeness crab harvest areas are closed when three out of six individual crab viscera equals or exceeds 30 ppm.

Within Puget Sound, the first occurrence of domoic acid was in blue mussels harvested in Kilisut Harbor in 2003 (Bill et al. 2006), raising concerns about the possibility of shellfish closures similar to those on the outer coast. Puget Sound was presumed to be less susceptible to domoic acid closures due to the absence of harvested species (razor clams and Dungeness crab) that retain domoic acid for long periods. Many shellfish species that are harvested in Puget Sound, such as mussels, littleneck clams, and oysters, are able to depurate domoic acid over a period of hours or days (Novaczek 1992), whereas the ability of other species such as geoduck to retain or release domoic acid has not yet been determined (Trainer et al. 2007).

Heterosigma

While not responsible for illnesses in humans, blooms of the small, unicellular, flagellated raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo have been shown to kill fish through the likely production of neurotoxins that disrupt respiratory and osmoregulatory gill functions (Khan et al. 1997, Hard et al. 2000). Farmed fish are particularly susceptible to mortality from increased concentrations of Heterosigma (Chang et al. 1990, Hard et al. 2000). Increased water column stratification and high temperatures have both been correlated with Heterosigma blooms although the precise causes for blooms remain uncertain (Bearon et al. 2006, O'Halloran et al. 2006).

Ulvoids

Blooms of ulvoid seaweeds are manifested by large quantities of green algal biomass washing up on beaches where decomposition occurs or in seagrass beds where mortality of seagrass through smothering is possible (den Hartog 1994, Nelson and Lee 2001). The thin blade-like morphology of ulvoids is thought to contribute to their ability to respond quickly to favorable environmental conditions such as increased nutrients and light (e.g., Littler and Littler 1980). As such, they have can competitively displace other algal species and seagrasses (e.g., den Hartog 1994, Anderson et al. 1996, Valiela et al. 1997). While not typically associated with the production of toxins, there is emerging evidence that ulvoid algae can produce allelopathic compounds that are detrimental to the development and growth of invertebrate larvae and other algae (Nelson et al. 2003a, Van Alstyne et al. 2007). Two genera of ulvoid seaweeds are common in Puget Sound: Ulva (which includes the former genus Enteromorpha) and Ulvaria (formerly referred to as Monostroma)(Nelson et al. 2003b). Despite their morphological similarity, these genera differ ecologically. A combination of field and lab observations conducted by Nelson and colleagues has demonstrated that Ulva is more tolerant of desiccation stress, produces lower levels of allelopathic compounds and is found more commonly in intertidal habitats whereas Ulvaria is less tolerant of desiccation stress, produces higher levels of allelopathic compounds and is more commonly found in subtidal habitats (Nelson et al. 2003a, Nelson et al. 2003b, Nelson et al. 2008, Nelson et al. 2010).

Status

PSP and ASP

In 2008, only 12 of 2,798 samples (0.4%) of shellfish tested by the Washington State Public Health Laboratory detected levels of PSP toxins greater than 1,000 micrograms and no PSP-related illnesses in humans were reported (WDOH 2009) (Table 1). However, 23 subtidal geoduck clamtracts were closed due to elevated PSP toxin levels and two general closures for “all shellfish species” occurred. Notably, one geoduck tract closure included a recall of 3,368 lbs of geoduck clams. In 2008, the highest PSP levels in blue mussels were found in Mystery Bay, Kilisut Harbor (Table 1).

Table 1. Areas of highest PSP levels in 2008 (WDOH 2009)

Date

Harvest Area

Species

Toxin Level*

08/10/2008

Mystery Bay, Kilisut Harbor

Blue Mussel

2,602

06/17/2008

Semiahmoo Marina, Drayton Harbor

Blue Mussel

1,831

08/11/2008

Scow Bay, Kilisut Harbor

Blue Mussel

1,779

09/25/2008

Dockton, Quartermaster Harbor

Blue Mussel

1,462

06/17/2008

Birch Bay Village, Birch Bay

Blue Mussel

1,456

08/06/2008

Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor

Blue Mussel

1,347

11/12/2008

Ediz Hook, East Straits

Blue Mussel

1,097

micrograms per 100 grams of shellfish meat tissue

Approximately 12 Dungeness crab and 1,318 molluscan shellfish samples were tested by WDOH for domoic acid in 2008. The low sample size for crabs was driven by lack of toxin in the first 12 samples, which prompted a halt in further testing of Dungeness crab. There were no shellfish closures due to high levels of domoic acid in 2008, nor any reported ASP illnesses (WDOH 2009). The highest levels of domoic acid observed in Puget Sound molluscs in 2008 were at Squaxin Passage and Budd Inlet (Table 2).

Table 2. Areas of highest domoic acid levels in 2008 (WDOH 2009)

Date

Harvest Area

Species

Toxin Level*

06/24/2008

Squaxin Passage

Blue Mussel

3

06/19/2008

Budd Inlet

Blue Mussel

3

01/07/2008

Kalaloch Beach North

Razor Clam

3

11/06/2008

Long Beach Reserve

Razor Clam

2

10/01/2008

Sequim Bay

Blue Mussel

2

06/24/2008

South Tacoma Narrows

Blue Mussel

2

parts per million per 1 gram of shellfish meat tissue

Heterosigma

Heterosigma has been reported in various locations in Puget Sound and has been linked to fish mortality at fish farms in Puget Sound (Hershberger et al. 1997, Tyrrell et al. 2002). Despite the potential problem of financial damage to fish farms from Heterosigma or of mortality of wild fish from Heterosigma blooms, available data the spatial variation of both Heterosigma occurrence and the frequency of associated fish mortality events is limited.

Ulvoids

A study conducted by Nelson et al. (2003b) assessing biomass of ulvoids in locations in Puget Sound (Figure 1) in summer of 2000 found that the species composition, depth, and abundance of ulvoids was variable throughout Puget Sound (Figure 2). In a more detailed analysis linking ulvoid biomass to abiotic variables on the coast of Blakely Island in the San Juan Archipelago, Nelson et al. (2003b) found that increased biomass was positively correlated with increased nitrogen, a finding that is consistent with studies conducted in other locations (e.g., Sfriso et al. 1992, Anderson et al. 1996).

Figure 2. Biomass (mean + 1SD) by genus and by depth if ulvoid algae at locations throughout Puget Sound (Nelson et al. 2003b)(Reprinted with permission from Botanica Marina and De Gruyter Publishing).

Trends

PSP

Harmful algal blooms of Alexandrium were widespread and prevalent in the northern regions of Puget Sound (e.g., Sequim and Discovery Bays) in the 1950s and 1960s, but extended southward in the 1970s and 1980s to inner regions of Puget Sound (Trainer et al. 2003). More recent occurrences of PSP toxins in Washington shellfish and crab have been variable. Although high levels of PSP were detected in many years between 1990 and 2006, in some years (e.g., 1995, 2007, 2008) PSP toxin levels remained low (Figure 3). Despite this variability, the frequency of instances of high levels of PSP toxins detected by WDOH monitoring in Washington State has increased since 1957(Figure 3), a trend that is consistent with a worldwide increase in PSP toxic events since the 1950s (Nishitani and Chew 1984, Hallegraeff 1993, Trainer et al. 2003, Maso and Garces 2006).

Moore et al. (2009) caution the use of PSP levels in shellfish tissues as a proxy for algal cell density in the water column due to the difference in accumulation and depuration rates of shellfish species. To investigate trends and possible relationships with large-scale climate and local environmental factors, Moore et al. (2009) analyzed PSP levels in blue mussels between 1993 and 2007. A combination of warm air and water temperatures and low streamflow appears to be favorable for PSP toxin accumulation in mussels, but advanced warning of events may be constrained by the same factors as for weather prediction, and is therefore limited to approximately one to two weeks (Moore et al. 2008, Moore et al. 2009). No increase in the frequency, magnitude, duration, or geographic scope of HAB events was detected, yet a significant basin-wide trend for closures to be imposed earlier in the year was observed over the period.

ASP

Blooms of Pseudo-nitzchia continue to affect Washington’s outer coast since the first fisheries closure due to ASP toxins in 1991. Exceptional years of domoic acid-associated beach, razor clam, and Dungeness crab closures in Washington include 1991, 1998-1999, 2002-2003, and 2005 (Horner and Postel 1993, Trainer et al. 2007)(Figure 3). The prolonged closures of 1998-1999 and 2002-2003 (>1.5 years) resulted in significant commercial, recreational, and tribal shellfish harvest losses in Washington State (Dyson and Huppert in press, corrected proof). Out of concern for ASP toxins in the highly populated Puget Sound region, WDOH has monitored throughout Puget Sound since 1991. Pseudo-nitzschia blooms were reported in Puget Sound in 2003 and 2005, causing concern that blooms could impact the valuable fisheries there (Trainer et al. 2009).

Heterosigma

The bloom-forming alga Heterosigma akashiwo is recognized as a potential problem in Puget Sound. Despite a number of current studies on this HAB-forming alga, data are not yet available to determine spatial and temporal trends in Heterosigma abundances or the frequency of toxic events in Puget Sound.

Ulvoids

Published accounts of temporal trends in ulvoid abundances in Puget Sound are lacking. At least one investigation currently is underway to estimate ulvoid abundance from archival video surveys.

Uncertainties

Trend analysis of harmful algal blooms is difficult due to the lack of understanding about the dynamics that drive them, although this is an area of active research (e.g., Bearon et al. 2006, Nelson et al. 2008, Moore et al. 2009). Environmental conditions such as circulation, temperature, sunlight, nutrients, and salinity as well as the presence of algal predators, parasites and algal disease organisms all likely play a role in the formation, magnitude, and persistence of blooms. While PSP and ASP toxin levels currently are monitored and reported by WDOH, published data regarding spatial and temporal trends in Heterosigma and ulvoid abundances in Puget Sound are lacking.

Summary

Harmful algal blooms in Puget Sound have been variable over the past two decades, but appear to be increasing since WDOH began monitoring in 1957. Current monitoring efforts are not sufficient to provide accurate forecasting of ASP and PSP-related bloom events beyond one to two weeks, but forecasting could be improved by increased temporal and spatial scale and automated devices. While there is emerging concern about blooms of Heterosigma and ulvoids, , data that address these concerns currently is lacking for Puget Sound.

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